Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine’s cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Traditional symbols of Valentine’s Day include hearts, doves, Cupid and love notes.
American postcard, circa 1900.

Also Called: St. Valentine’s Day

Observed by:   Christian and Christian-influenced cultures

Type:   Christian, cultural, multinational

Significance:   Lovers express their feelings to each other

Date:   February 14

Observances:   Sending greeting cards and gifts, dating.